Kate Jervis
MSci Hons Biochemistry with Professional Placement Year
R&D Graduate Bioscientist, AstraZeneca
I am an R&D graduate bioscientist at AstraZeneca, working in early-stage drug discovery. I completed my Integrated Master’s in Biochemistry with Professional Placement Year at Newcastle University in 2023, including a year working at AstraZeneca during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of my 9-to-5 job, I work with a community interest group in Cambridge called TEOM to design and deliver bespoke neurodiversity training to local organisations.
Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
I was attracted to Newcastle University because of the flexibility in the Biomedical Science courses. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to specialise in, the opportunity to switch streams after the first year was a significant factor. I was also keen to gain hands-on experience, so paid lab employment opportunities in second year was a draw.
What did/do you love about Newcastle University?
Newcastle is a beautiful city and felt like home instantly, and Newcastle University is full of lovely, supportive people. The Specialist Learning team were great and understood my needs as an autistic student every step of the way – my specialist learning advisors even attended my graduation ceremony in the academic procession, which was really special. My time at university was always full of opportunity and helped me to grow as a person, not just a scientist.
What did you enjoy most (or least!) about your course?
The course content was always interesting and there was a good balance between predetermined content and optional modules, where you can narrow down into an area you’re passionate about, but aren’t scrambling to consider a thousand options and trying to fit them together yourself into a cohesive package. The focus on practical skills and data interpretation was also very valuable.
Tell us a little bit about career journey. How did you get into what you do now?
I wanted to help people without working directly with patients, so biomedical science was the obvious choice to study at uni. During my first year I discovered my passion for biochemistry (which I switched onto) and wet-lab work. I knew experience would be important so I gained this through a JobsOC role, the second-year lab assistant scheme, and a placement year at AstraZeneca, where I got to work on projects that could directly impact patients; this solidified my interest in pharmaceutical research specifically. I tailored my final year and Master’s modules to this area and was lucky enough to receive multiple job offers for after graduated. I chose the AstraZeneca grad scheme for the breadth of opportunities it offered.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I am on a rotational graduate programme, changing roles and departments every 8 months. I have the flexibility to try out anything within pharmaceutical R&D, from early-stage target identification up to regulatory affairs or clinical trials management. Because of this, I’ve been able to tailor my work to build the skills I want, and gain a really broad skillset in a short period of time. I love being in the lab so have chosen to learn specific techniques, but I have colleagues who are the complete opposite, who have been able to specialise into data science and other dry work while maintaining that patient connection.
AstraZeneca also has a very large and supportive early talent community with lots of ‘extracurricular’ opportunities, so I’ve been able to build soft skills there. I’m currently co-leading a team of sixteen early-career individuals across the business, which has been a huge development opportunity for me!
This job has been like the halfway point between university and a ‘grown up’ job, so a great transition into working life.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career journey?
As an autistic person, learning to be authentic in my professional identity and advocate for myself has been challenging. My time at Newcastle helped me find my feet, understand my motivations, and grow my confidence. Networking is also challenging for me, but I’ve learnt how to do it in a way that works for me.
How did your course and experiences at Newcastle University prepare you for your current role?
The course content, particularly the Drug Discovery and Development module I took in my Master’s year, provided a strong foundation in basic science, data interpretation and experimental design. This was obviously strengthened by my placement year, which I wouldn’t have been able to secure without the fantastic support of the placement team and Newcastle University’s careers service. I still use the Careers Service every chance I get for CV advice, interview prep and general guidance. Newcastle University also gave me numerous opportunities for skills development through volunteering and part-time employment.
What other things did you do at University which helped you to get where you are now?
Beyond my studies, I was involved in lots of projects and initiatives as a student at Newcastle. I worked part-time at the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, which helped me stand out on applications and build skills and experience. I was heavily involved in volunteer opportunities within and outside the school (EDI initiatives and student representation in particular) and those also gave me valuable soft skills and STAR examples for interviews. I was also able to undertake additional paid work with the university, as a Student Ambassador. Employability Ambassador, and a contributor to the Student Health and Wellbeing website.
What one piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started?
There are so many opportunities beyond just your course at university – my advice is to get involved with whatever you find that sounds interesting. At school I was never that sort of person, but my experience at university has set me apart from my competitors when it’s come to finding jobs, and really grown my confidence.
What support do you wish you had when you first started? And are there any resources that you would recommend to people?
I am a huge advocate for using the formal supports around you; Student Health and Wellbeing, the Careers Service, and your lecturers and student reps. Be proactive and take ownership of your experience, and use these supports to help you get where you want to be.